Red Hawks know whats at stake in critical game

Published 8:00 pm, Wednesday, October 5, 2005

CASS CITY  More than just a share of the Greater Thumb West championship will be on the line here Friday night when Cass City hosts Unionville-Sebewaing Area.

For the 6-0 Patriots, they'll put up their state-best 20-game winning streak, as well as their No. 1 ranking in the Division 7 poll. They also want to re-assert themselves as the top dog in the GTW.

For the 6-0 Red Hawks, they're hoping for a changing of the guard at the top of the conference, as well as some much-deserved recognition from area nay-sayers.

In all, 48 minutes of football will mean quite a bit.

Cass City players, coaches and the community can't wait.

"People haven't seen this kind of game around here in a long, long time," said Cass City coach Scott Cuthrell. "We're looking forward to the challenge. And it's going to be a challenge, no doubt."

The Red Hawks come into the contest off a 57-7 shelling of Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port last Friday. Overall, Cass City has scored 311 points in its six games, good for a whopping 51.8 points-per-game average.

"The kids have been working hard and I think we're as ready as we'll ever be," Cuthrell said. "I think we're pretty close to where we want to be (at this point of the season).

"They kids know what's at stake, and we've had a pretty good week (of practice)."

Cass City's offense revolves around its potent running attack, sparked by senior fullback Cody Halasz. The bruiser has simply run over opponents this season on his way to 1,041 yards on 70 totes, good for a gaudy 14.8 yards-per-carry average. And he's really played only one full game this season.

Cuthrell knows he has one of the most powerful backs to come out of this area in a long time.

"When you have that kind of weapon you're going to use it," Cuthrell said. "Cody has done a great job for us, and the offensive line has done an awesome job this year, too."

Halasz isn't the only back to put up impressive numbers for the Red Hawks this season. Senior Dustin Bitzer has rushed for 395 yards while senior Chris Johnson has added 350 yards.

They are other options Cuthrell has at his disposal.

"If they key on Cody, we have other weapons, too," he said. "And those guys are more than capable of having big games."

The Red Hawks' defense hasn't been too bad, either, allowing just 39 points and pitching a pair of shutouts.

Defensively, Halasz also leads the unit in tackles.

Cuthrell knows his defense will be challenged by USA, though.

"We know what USA is all about," he explained. "They are a tremendous team. I really compare them to last year. Sure, they lost some kids, but the younger kids have stepped in and gained experience. And Jordan Bitzer is the best quarterback I've seen in this area. They have the whole package."

USA's offense has the option of running the Wing T, or spreading it out and throwing the ball from different formations. It's something Cass City has worked on and is ready for.

"It's something we've been preparing for," Cuthrell said. "They can run, they can throw. Their backs are very good, speedy, tough runners. And Bitzer, we know, can beat you, too."

With all the hype surrounding this game, Cuthrell and the Red Hawks are trying to keep a cool and calm demeanor.

"We're trying to take it as any other game," he said. "We're preparing like we have all year.

"But for kids that are 16, 17, 18, you try to tell them to stay calm. But it's tough when you're going to have 3,000 people looking on. But once the whistle blows I think everything will be normal. We know it's going to be a battle."

Cass City is gunning for its first unbeaten season since 1972. Even after USA, the Red Hawks will have two tough opponents ahead of them, as well, in 4-2 Reese and 5-1 Freeland. Both of those games will be in Cass City.

"We're excited," Cuthrell said. "The community is excited, and they've been great.